The 1000 Tree Complex In Shanghai
Heatherwick Studio has released photographs of its plant-covered 1,000 Trees development in Shanghai.
Efficient Garden Feature — Cascading Cement Water Fountains
Small waterfalls provide a soothing sound and they cool the air. You can create a simple waterfall using ceramic dishes and pots — they just require a small pump to operate.
Paulownia: A Wood That’s Both Strong and Ultralight
Paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa) is the second lightest wood in the world. The tree is native to Japan and Korea. Perhaps the wood’s greatest attribute is that it’s both lightweight and strong. The Average Dried Weight is 18 pounds per cubic foot (or 280 kg/m3) according to the Wood Database. Paulownia is also one of the …
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Citrus Solvents: These Under-Rated Solvents Are Non-Toxic and Low Odor
A citrus degreaser is a pleasant smelling and safe alternative to traditional petroleum-based solvents like gasoline or kerosene.
Non-Toxic Paint Thinners — Made With 100% Lavender Spike Oil
Lavender or spike oil is a healthier alternative to traditional solvents, such as turpentine and mineral spirits.
A List Of Exercise & Yoga Equipment Made With Cork
When used as a material to build exercise or yoga gear, cork has a many advantages over plastic:
A List Of Non-Toxic Sunscreens and Insect Repellents
These are the safest and least toxic sunscreens and insect repellents I’ve found:
A List Of Non-Toxic Sealants & Caulks
Here are some sealant and caulks are mostly free of VOCs and other chemicals:
A List Of Non-Toxic Paint For The Home
Zero emission paint is more expensive that regular paint — but it’s worth it for the health benefits. Interior paints can release toxic emissions into a room for months or even years.
A List Of Eco-Friendly Wrapping Papers: Tree-Free and Recycled
Here is a list of eco-friendly gift wraps. These wrap are made with tree-free (lotka) paper or recycled paper:
Kapok Pillows Are Non-Toxic and Supportive
Kapok is an alternative to conventional pillow stuffing. It is soft like down, yet supportive. Kapok is a silky fiber harvested in the rainforests of southeast Asia, tropical America, and Africa. After the ripe pods of the tree are harvested, the seeds are removed and the fluffy fiber is meticulously cleaned and dried.
Experiments I’m Currently Running In The MetaEfficient Labs
These are some metaefficient experiments I’m currently running:
Efficient — Foot Pedal Faucet Controllers
Foot pedal faucet controllers allow you to control a faucet hands-free. These devices are efficient and hygienic — they are commonly found in commercial kitchens and hospitals. I’m not sure why we don’t see them in more homes. You can reduce water use by 50% using pedal controllers, and if it’s hot water, you’ll be …
Grapefruit Seed Extract — An Efficient Disinfectant
Grapefruit Seed Extract (or GSE) is a powerful disinfectant. It can be used to disinfect wounds, sterilize fruit and vegetables, purify drinking water, sanitize dishes, countertops and cutting boards and inhibit bacteria growth in pools and spas. The active ingredient of grapefruit seed extract is synthesized from the seed and pulp of certified organically grown …
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A List Of Lead-Free Garden Hoses That Are Safe For Water Drinking
Most garden hoses leach lead and other chemicals into the water. The problem is that they are made of PVC, which uses lead as a stabilizer. Consumer Reports tested 16 brands of garden hose sold at national chains and on the internet. In some hoses they measured 10 to 100 times more lead than the …
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The Most Efficient Humidifier: Areca Palm
To add humidity to a room you can place a few areca palms inside. These palms release copious amounts of water into the air, and remove chemical toxins too.
On Display: Collections Of Rare Bromeliads
These plants are Neoregelia Bromeliads. In the wild, they grow in the trees of South American rainforests. Indoors, they make fine house plants.
Unusual Green Architecture In Japan: Namba Parks
In a city with few green spaces, Namba Parks is a welcome swath of green for the inhabitants of Osaka. The complex stands where Osaka’s baseball stadium used to be until 2003, and consists of a 30-floor skyscraper, Parks Tower, and a shopping mall with eight floors of terraced gardens. The sloping park connects to …
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Red Tea: The Underrated Caffeine-Free Tea
Rooibos (pronounced “roy-boss”) is a red tea grown the mountainous Cedarberg area north of Cape Town in South Africa.
The Fastest And Easiest-To-Grow Microgreens
These are the easiest microgreens to germinate and sprout: